Influenza is a serious illness that can lead to hospitalization or death, and the severity of each flu season can vary significantly. During the 2023–24 season, the CDC estimated tens of millions of flu cases and thousands of related deaths, highlighting the importance of getting an annual FDA-approved flu vaccine.1
DO FLU SHOTS REALLY WORK?
The quick answer is yes, flu shots do work most of the time. That’s why it’s recommended for everyone six months of age or older to get vaccinated each year. 2 The vaccine isn’t perfect and doesn’t protect everyone from catching influenza, but overall, studies show moderate-to-high percentages of effectiveness. 4
Determining which flu viruses will be the most prevalent each flu season is challenging, but experts do their best to match the flu vaccine to potential circulating viruses each season. In years where the vaccine isn’t the best match, the flu shot is still the best way to prevent the flu. It can also reduce the severity of illness in people who are vaccinated but still get sick.
The flu shot will not give you the flu.3 You might experience mild discomfort, soreness, or a low-grade fever after getting the shot due to the body’s immune response. These symptoms should only last one to two days and are far less severe than contracting the flu.
WHEN TO GET A FLU SHOT
The best time to get a flu shot is in the fall, as flu viruses circulate year-round but typically peak between December and February.1 It takes about two weeks after a vaccination for antibodies that protect against the flu to develop in the body, so the CDC recommends getting the flu shot by the end of October. If you’ve already had the flu without a vaccine, getting vaccinated remains crucial as it offers protection against other flu virus strains you likely haven’t had.2
WHERE DO I GET A FLU SHOT?
Flu shot clinics are available at many neighborhood pharmacies, clinics, local health departments, and even grocery stores. You can also contact your doctor’s office to see if they have walk-in options available. Or use one of the options below:
CAN SELECT HEALTH MEDICARE MEMBERS GET REWARDED FOR GETTING A FLU SHOT USING THE MY HEALTHY REWARD BENEFIT?
Yes! Select Health Medicare members can earn $20 for completing their annual flu vaccine by December 31, 2025. Rewards may take 4–6 weeks to be added to the members Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card (Flex Card) and must be used by March 31, 2026, as they do not rollover. Learn more.
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1. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season.html
2. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/its-good-time-get-your-flu-vaccine
3. https://www.nfid.org/can-a-flu-vaccine-give-you-the-flu/
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9143275/
The content included here is for your information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Additionally, this information does not guarantee benefits. To review your benefits, please reference your plan materials or call Member Services at 800-538-5038 weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., closed Sunday. TTY users call 711.
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